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The average age of the farming workforce is getting older, not younger.

With an eye on the future, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that the USDA will partner with National FFA to support youth, and prepare the workforce of tomorrow for unique careers in agriculture.

Speaking to reporters, Purdue talked about the agreement.

"It really formalizes a relationship we have had with the FFA for awhile. We are working together to promote agriculture, but particularly youth in agriculture. We know that farmers are getting older, and we need the vitality of these youth. These are very sharp young people. Weather it's agriculture or civic resposibility, these young people have it going on."

--- Purdue also explains, he just really like to see kids get excited about Farming and Ranching.

"I just really love young people. I love their hope and optimism. I love the enthusiasm that youthfulness brings. They have not figured out that you can't do it yet, and that's what I like. They believe they can do anything that they think about and I thing we need more of that. That's the spirit of Amarica."

Under the newly signed a memorandum of understanding, THE USDA and FFA will collaborate on initiatives to prepare young people for opportunities in agriculture.